Sugarloaf Mountain

by Mitch Shindelbower

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Sugarloaf Mountain

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Mitch Shindelbower

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Sugarloaf Mountain.Spectacular, awe inspiring, unique – These are words that best define the Sugarloaf rock formation in Six Mile Canyon outside of Virginia City, Nevada. Situated in the Flowery Range, and offshoot of the Virginia Range of Northwest Nevada, it is located about 9 miles east of the Steamboat Geothermal Complex, site of seven geothermal power plants that power cities in Northern Nevada. This is an area of significant hydrothermal activity, where steam escapes from the surface. Thus, it is not surprising to find this volcanic remnant nearby. Sugarloaf is a volcanic plug rising just over 300 feet above its shoulder with nearby Flowery Peak 6,581' and Emma Peak 6,442'.

Sugarloaf rises about 775 feet above the Six Mile Canyon Road. At only 5,921 feet, Sugarloaf is dwarfed by neighboring mountains. Most of its neighbors range from 6400’ to just over 7,000’. But Sugarloaf outclasses them all.

Climbing Sugarloaf is a quick, but fun endeavor. It is not for the faint of heart. The easiest route to the summit is class 3, and there are numerous class 4 routes. This page will briefly discuss the class 3 route, although I hope over time others will add more information about other climbing options.

Climbing Sugarloaf is not recommended during the summer. The heat in the area can be overwhelming during that time, and rattlesnakes may greet you as you climb up the rocks. The best time to hike is probably late fall (November, December) and late winter/early spring (February, March, April).

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April 26th, 2015

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